Shining a light on Mental Health
Our team of specialist solicitors are equipped to assist in all kinds of Mental Health matters for those who need a voice.
You are not Alone
We help our vulnerable clients in a wide range of mental health related matters.
Your Mental Health is our Priority
Our team is led by Mental Health Panel Members whose dedication to their clients and their families is matched only by their legal expertise.
Specialising in Mental Capacity
Our team draws upon its extensive expertise to provide specialist advice and representation in relation to all Mental Capacity matters.
Mental Health Solicitors
Mental health trust CEO welcomes national waiting times (10 October 2014)
Date: 10/10/2014
The chief executive of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has welcomed the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg that from April 2015, mental health patients will be given appointments under national waiting time standards.
The introduction of waiting times to access mental health services is part of a government pledge to give mental health services parity with NHS services for physical health conditions like cancer.
A total of £120 million has been set aside to fund the introduction of national waiting times.
In any future government, Mr Clegg said that the Liberal Democrats would extend reforms to mental health services using half of a £1billion fund derived from tax hikes for the wealthiest. Half of the revenue raised would be ploughed back into NHS care, Mr Clegg said.
Local publisher EDP24 reports that NSFT chief executive Michael Scott said that the announcement of national waiting times was a “positive step” – but added that there was further need to improve mental health services.
NSFT is one of the trusts having to make swingeing cuts to its budget of up to 20%.
Mr Scott said.
“This announcement helps put mental health on more of an even footing with NHS services for physical health – but we know that funding for mental health has been falling over recent years.
“The introduction of new waiting time standards will help improve services –
and, hopefully, bring greater clarity about the need for fairer funding for NHS mental health services.”
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors are the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of matters, such as access to services, as well as detention under the Mental Health Act.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on care issues, including initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.